Preparations are in full swing as Sam Ochola, Gor Mahia’s current secretary general, announces his candidacy for the club’s top leadership position. The upcoming elections, scheduled for September, mark a significant moment in the club’s history as the tenure of the current office bearers is set to expire next month.
Ochola’s Candidacy for Club Presidency
Sam Ochola, a notable figure within Gor Mahia’s administration for the past four years, has officially declared his intention to run for the club’s presidential seat. Ochola, who initially assumed his role unopposed, has been instrumental in various administrative functions and sees this as the perfect time to further his commitment to the club.
“I will be going for the chairman seat in the coming elections and I will be furnishing the registrar with the roadmap to the elections as required by the law,” Ochola stated in an interview with Nation.
Leadership Transition
The current chairman, Ambrose Rachier, has not yet disclosed his future plans, creating a leadership vacuum that Ochola aims to fill. Rachier’s long-standing tenure has been marked by significant achievements, and Ochola intends to build on this legacy by implementing fresh ideas and transformative strategies.
Ochola emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in the upcoming election process. “We are working around the clock to ensure the elections are held via a secret ballot. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will be in charge this time round. There is no room for shortcuts and I’m ready to face my opponents,” he added.
Vision for Gor Mahia
Reflecting on his tenure and future plans, Ochola shared his ambitious vision for Gor Mahia. His goals align with the club’s long-term ambitions set during Rachier’s leadership, which include constructing a modern stadium and winning international titles.
“I want to build Gor Mahia a modern stadium at Kasarani and help the team win either the CAF Confederation Cup or CAF Champions League or both. I promise to achieve this and leave,” Ochola told Nation Sport in 2020 after being reelected.
Eligibility and Election Framework
The upcoming elections will be governed by the 2017 club constitution, which sets stringent eligibility criteria, including a requirement for a university degree among other qualifications. Ochola is confident that this framework will ensure a fair and transparent election process.
“What we are doing now is putting everything in place so that we have a smooth series of events leading to the elections and those who are interested can come forward. A university degree is a must among other requirements which are clearly spelled out including the term limits,” Ochola said.
New Leadership and Fresh Ideas
The constitution bars any official who has served two terms of four years each from running again, thus ensuring fresh leadership and new ideas for the club. This rule excludes several current leaders from re-election, including the long-serving chairman Ambrose Rachier and vice chairman Francis Wasuna, paving the way for new candidates like Ochola.
Aspiration for National Sports Framework
Beyond his aspirations for Gor Mahia, Ochola is also eyeing a higher position within the national sports framework. Despite the uncertain schedule of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections due to a previously botched Annual General Meeting, Ochola remains undeterred in his pursuit to influence football management at both club and national levels.
Ochola’s Business Acumen
Ochola’s business acumen, garnered from his experiences outside the football world including his association with a local television station, positions him as a candidate with a broad perspective on management and commercial success. His multifaceted approach is expected to bring significant benefits to Gor Mahia, particularly in terms of financial stability and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
Sam Ochola’s candidacy for Gor Mahia’s presidential seat signals a new era for the club. With a strong focus on transparency, fairness, and transformative goals, Ochola is poised to lead Gor Mahia towards greater heights. His vision for a modern stadium and international victories reflects his commitment to elevating the club’s status both locally and globally. As the elections approach, Ochola’s leadership promises to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to Gor Mahia, ensuring a bright future for the club and its supporters.
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